The day before the Western Conference Semifinals began, the Rockets arrived in New Orleans.
No one knew when it had started, but the Pelicans had become like a powerhouse, waiting for their opponents to come challenge them in every series.
Compared with last time, the Rockets were clearly much more low-key this time.
Their practices were closed to the public, and the players did not accept media interviews in private either.
Not everyone was Whiteside. After last year's defeat, the Rockets had clearly learned their lesson and gotten smarter.
That made the Pelicans even more cautious.
The Rockets had grown stronger while becoming so low-key. This would not be an easy game.
On game day, New Orleans Arena was packed to capacity.
Not only had many fans come, but plenty of local tycoons and celebrities were there as well.
The first-round matchup against the Thunder had only been a warm-up, but facing the Rockets now was a big stage. There were five Superstars alone.
They would not miss an opportunity for exposure like this.
Emilia Clarke, who played the Mother of Dragons in Game of Thrones, was also in attendance.
The sixth season of Game of Thrones was hugely popular worldwide, and Clarke's popularity had surged along with it.
Facing the camera lens, she flashed her signature awkward smile, drawing a burst of cheers from the crowd.
Actually... she looked better when she did not smile.
However, another former actress in attendance was even more popular here.
Elizabeth Olsen.
Olson had come too, each of them and their nanny holding a child.
Yong Qi and Towns were already over two years old, and they were incredibly adorable.
When the arena photographer put them on the big screen, the crowd's cheers swept through the venue.
Tang Tian was the hero of